Christian resources for your marriage, all free online at Crosswalk.com! Find Christian based information on situations that arise in any relationship between husband and wife. Learn about how we should treat our spouses according to the word of the Bible and Jesus. Other helpful resource topics include: Christian singles, parenting, finances and debt.Dr David Christian Marriage Advice

How to Recover from Pornography Addiction

The dangers of pornography to marriages, families, and the very soul of the world cannot be overestimated. I receive phone calls on a daily basis decrying the ravages of pornography and other forms of sexual addiction, and the deception that surrounds it, on marriage and the family.

In my book Breaking Everyday Addictions, I note how sexual addictions are more rampant than anyone realizes. From men who have serial affairs, to those who are addicted to pornography, sexual addictions are particularly malignant and destructive to marriages.

As with all forms of addictions, sexual addictions are secretive, fraught with denial, deception, and minimization, and are progressive. Destructive behavior continues in spite of the positive intentions of the addicted person. No longer free to fully choose their behavior, they are instead driven by secret, shameful compulsions.

When confronted about their behavior, the pornography addict rarely reveals the truth. Thus, the mate of the pornography addict now deals additionally with the shame of pornography as well as the unfathomable breach of trust. If one’s mate cannot be trusted in one matter of such vital importance, how can they be trusted in another?

An additional challenge of sexual addictions concerns the issue of “coming clean.” The spouse of the sexual addict often wants to know the full extent of the addiction, and because of the very secretive nature of the addict, that information is either not forthcoming, or is not believed. Most often the truth comes out in bits and pieces, creating phenomenal tension. The couple is left with rampant distrust.

What are some steps that can be taken when facing some aspect of sexual addiction?

First, you need to deal directly with your sexual addiction. Take whatever steps are necessary, including the possibility of an inpatient program, or a community-based program such as Sexual Addicts Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery to deal effectively with the sexual addiction. Many find some success with an accountability partner, but this is not likely enough. Consider taking dramatic steps to recover from this serious problem. Until this is done trust cannot be rebuilt.

Second, ensure that you have thorough program. It has been said that partial measures will not ensure recovery. Drastic measures are needed to deal effectively with this problem. Don’t fool yourself by believing you can solve this problem on your own. Any recovery program must encompass social, psychological, sexual and spiritual factors—in short, it must be comprehensive. Radical changes in lifestyle are often needed for recovery.

Third, once you have dealt honestly with your addiction, complete with accountability, then you can work on your marriage. Recovery cannot occur alone. Scripture tells us, “Iron sharpen iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Marriages need support as well. A marriage cannot survive ongoing violations of trust. Recovery cannot occur when there is incredible chaos, deception and destruction occurring in your home.

Fourth, there must be fearless truth-telling in all matters. Wherever there is addiction—and our homes are plagued with everyday addictions—there is deception, excuse-making, rationalizing and other forms of unhealthy communication. Addiction breeds bondage, idolatry and “crazymaking.” Any recovery process is replete with full transparency and accountability.

Finally, after you have fully faced the severity of your addiction, and taken steps toward healing, then marriage counseling is helpful to learn effective communication and conflict resolution skills. Addiction impacts everyone in the family. Both mates need to heal from the years of betrayal and develop strategies for keeping your home free from pornography in the future. Understand that it will take time for trust to be rebuilt, and both the addict and mate will need their own counseling to recover from your addiction and unhealthy patterns of communication.

Has pornography been an issue in your marriage? Would you like to heal beyond deception and create a place for rigorous honesty? If you would like help, we are here for you. Please send responses to me at [email protected] and also read more about The Marriage Recovery Center on our website and learn about our Personal and Marriage Intensives.